Modular video display system

ABSTRACT

A visual display system, such as a flight simulation system, includes a number of display screens and a number of associated video projectors which project predetermined video images on the display screens in response to control signals provided by an operator. In one embodiment, the display screens are circumscribed by an imaginary sphere having a predetermined radius and centered about the design eye of the visual display system. The design eye is generally positioned in a predetermined fixed relation to the operator such that the distortion of the displayed video image is reduced. In another embodiment, the video projectors are mounted in a linear side-by-side relationship on a rear side of the display screens, thereby reducing the overall size of the visual display system. The visual display system also includes image redirection means, such as fold mirrors, to redirect the video images projected by the aligned video projectors so as to provide the video images to the respective display screens in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface of each display screen. In addition, adjacent display screens can be attached by a pair of rearwardly extending tabs which are positioned so as to not mask the projected video images. At least one of the pair of tabs is opaque such that the projected video images will not pass between the adjacent display screens. Thus, at least the portion of the video image displayed along the edges of the adjacent display screens is clarified.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.08/407,138, filed Mar. 20, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,599, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/331,418,filed Oct. 31, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,665, the content of whichare expressly incorporated in their entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to visual display systems and,more particularly, to visual simulation systems, including flightsimulation systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Visual display systems, such as flight simulation systems, are commonlyemployed to train military, commercial and other personnel. Conventionalvisual display systems include one or more screens onto which a videoimage is projected by one or more projectors, such as light valveprojectors or cathode ray tubes (CRTs). An operator views the projectedvideo images and reacts in response thereto. Accordingly, the operatorof the visual display system is also generally provided with a controlpanel and, in some instances, a joystick for providing input to thevisual display system in response to the displayed video image. Thus,the operator can simulate the flight of an aircraft, for example, andcan respond to the environment as depicted by the visual display.

In conventional flight simulation systems in which a full color videoimage is displayed, one projector, generally termed an RGB projector, istypically associated with each screen of the visual display system toproject the red, green and blue color components of the video image onthe associated screen. A typical RGB projector produces video images,each of which consist of a predetermined number of video lines, and eachline of which consists of a predetermined number of picture elements, orpixels. For example, a conventional projector produces 1,024 videolines, each consisting of 1,280 pixels. In addition, the video imagesare produced at a predetermined frequency or frame rate, such as 30 or60 hertz.

Conventional flight simulation systems include a variety of types andshapes of display screens on which the video image is displayed. Forexample, some flight simulation systems include a single flat displayscreen having a field of view which is generally positioned in front ofthe operator. These flight simulation systems generally require only asingle RGB projector for projecting the video images upon the displayscreen. Thus, the design of flight simulation systems which include asingle flat display screen is less complex than other types of flightsimulation systems. However, the realism of such simulation systems islimited since the video images displayed on the single flat displayscreen generally do not accurately represent the out the window (OTW)view of the pilot of most aircraft who can also look laterally.

Another type of conventional flight simulation system which provides amore realistic visual image for the operator includes a sphericallyshaped dome structure on which the video image is projected. Theoperator is generally seated at a control station within the sphericaldome such that the operator can view video images that are displayed infront of, beside of, above and, in some instances, behind the operator.

One exemplary flight simulation system which includes a partial domehaving a generally spherical shape is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,634,384 which issued Jan. 6, 1987 to Fernando B. Neves et al.(hereinafter the "'384 patent"). As illustrated in the '384 patent, aspherical screen partially surrounds the operator. One or more displaysources, such as Schlieren light valve projectors, are mounted above theoperator on a front side of the screen for projecting the video imageson the spherical display screen. The operator thereafter reacts to thedisplayed video images by actuating various controls to control thesimulated flight of the aircraft.

While flight simulation systems which include spherical display screensprovide a more realistic video image to the simulation operator, suchflight simulation systems are generally physically large and complex. Inaddition, such flight simulation systems are generally both mechanicallyand electrically complex such that the flight simulation systems cannotbe readily transported between locations in the field. Further, suchflight simulation systems generally include a number of integrateddisplay sources, such as light valve projectors or CRTs, which add tothe complexity of the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide an improved visual display system.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improvedflight simulation system.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a modularflight simulation system which is relatively compact so as to be readilyrepositioned in the field.

These and other objects are provided, according to the presentinvention, by a visual display system, such as a flight simulationsystem, which displays a plurality of sequential video images on aplurality of display screens for an operator. In one embodiment, theplurality of display screens are positioned in a predetermined concaverelationship so as to be circumscribed by an imaginary sphere having apredetermined radius and centered about the design eye of the flightsimulation system. Thus, the relative distortion of displayed videoimages is reduced. In another embodiment, the flight simulation systemincludes a plurality of video projectors arranged in a linearside-by-side relationship on a rear side of the plurality of displayscreens such that the overall size of the flight simulation system isreduced. The flight simulation system of yet another embodiment includesfirst and second tabs, at least one of which is opaque, extendingrearwardly from adjacent display screens for attaching the adjacentdisplay screens so as to clarify at least the portion of the video imagedisplayed along the edges of the adjacent display screens.

In a first embodiment, the flight simulation system includes videoprojection means, such as a plurality of video projectors, forprojecting a predetermined video image on the plurality of displayscreens. The plurality of display screens of this embodiment generallyincludes a front screen, first and second opposed side screens and anupper screen. The flight simulation system also includes a controlstation for providing control signals in response to actuation ofvarious controls by an operator. The actuation of the controls by theoperator is typically based upon the predetermined video images whichare displayed. In response to the control signals provided by theoperator, a flight simulation controller controls the video imageprojected by the video projection means.

By positioning each of the plurality of display screens of theembodiment and, in particular, each of the corners of the plurality ofdisplay screens so as to be circumscribed by an imaginary sphere havinga predetermined radius which is centered about the design eye of theflight simulation system, the distortion of the displayed video image isreduced. The design eye is generally positioned in a predetermined fixedrelation to the viewing position of the operator.

In one embodiment, each of the first and second opposed side screens hasa trapezoidal shape. Each trapezoidal side screen of this embodiment hasa first edge, adjacent the front screen, and an opposed second edge.Preferably, the height of each side screen increases in an outwarddirection from the front screen such that the second edge of each sidescreen is longer than the first edge.

In this embodiment, the flight simulation system further includes imagegeneration means for generating video signals representative of thepredetermined video images. In particular, the video signals generatedby the image generation means which are representative of video imagesto be displayed on the first and second trapezoidal side screenspreferably represent video images having a trapezoidal shapecorresponding to the trapezoidal shape of the first and second sidescreens.

The front screen of the flight simulation system generally has a firstpredetermined aspect ratio which defines the ratio of the width of thedisplayed video image to the height of the displayed video image. Inaddition, each side screen has a second predetermined aspect ratio. Inone embodiment, the first predetermined aspect ratio is greater thanone, while the second predetermined aspect ratio of each side screen isless than one. In a more specific embodiment, the first aspect ratio isthe inverse of the second aspect ratio.

In another embodiment, the visual display system includes a visualdisplay system support structure to which the plurality of displayscreens and the plurality of video projectors are mounted in apredetermined position. In particular, the plurality of video projectorsare mounted in a linear side-by-side relationship on a rear side of theplurality of display screens such that the overall size of the visualdisplay system is reduced. In order to properly display thepredetermined video images on the display screens, the visual displaysystem of this embodiment also includes image redirection means, such asfold mirrors, for redirecting the video image projected by at least twoof the video projectors. Accordingly, the predetermined video images areprovided to the respective display screens in a direction perpendicularto the planar surface of each respective display screen.

The visual display system of this embodiment can also include an upperscreen. Preferably, the video projector which is adapted to project apredetermined video image on the upper screen is also positioned on therear side of the plurality of display screens. Further, the videoprojector associated with the upper screen is preferably positionedabove the video projector which is adapted to project a predeterminedvideo image on the front screen.

The plurality of display screens can also include first and second rearside screens and a rear upper screen, the combination of which comprisea rear display module. In this embodiment, the first and second rearside screens and the rear upper screen are also circumscribed by theimaginary sphere centered about the design eye of the flight simulationsystem.

In one embodiment, the rear display module is movable from a rearposition adjacent the plurality of video projectors which project thepredetermined images upon the first and second rear side screens and therear upper screen to a forward position adjacent the first and secondside screens. In addition, an opaque covering can extend between therear video projectors and the rear display module.

Adjacent display screens of the visual display system of the presentinvention are generally mounted in an abutting relationship alongrespective edges. In particular, the display screens are preferablymounted such that the first side of the display screens which theoperator views is concave. Thus, the rear surface of each display screenis generally wider than the corresponding front surface so as to therebydefine a rear edge portion along each respective edge which extendsoutwardly beyond the corresponding front surface.

In one embodiment, the visual display system also includes first andsecond tabs, such as first and second strips, bonded to the rear edgeportions of adjacent display screens, such as with an opticallytransmissive adhesive. Each tab extends rearwardly from the rear side ofa respective display screen such that the projected video image is notmasked. The visual display system of this embodiment also includesattachment means for attaching the first and second tabs such that theadjacent display screens are thereby securely joined. In addition, atleast one of the tabs is opaque such that the projected video image willnot pass between the display screens. Thus, at least a portion of thevideo image displayed along the edges of the display screens isclarified.

In one embodiment, the first and second tabs extend rearwardly from therear sides of the respective display screens to thereby define an edgeplane. In addition, each display screen of this embodiment includes aplanar display surface. Further, the respective display surfaces ofadjacent display screens preferably intersect at a predetermined angle.The edge plane of one embodiment preferably bisects the predeterminedangle defined by the intersection of the abutting display screens.

The visual display system of this embodiment is particularly effectivewith video projection means which projects a video image which expandsduring projection to fill the respective display surfaces of the displayscreens, thereby defining a video image envelope. In this embodiment,the first and second rearwardly extending tabs are preferably outside ofthe video image envelope such that the expanding video images are notmasked.

Therefore, according to one embodiment of the visual display system ofthe present invention, the plurality of display screens can bepositioned so as to be circumscribed by an imaginary sphere, therebyreducing the distortion of the displayed video image. In addition, theplurality of video projectors which provide the video images to thedisplay screens can be arranged in a linear side-by-side relationship onthe rear side of the display screens to reduce the overall size and toincrease the modularity of the visual display system. Further, tabs canextend rearwardly from the edges of adjacent display screens so as tosecurely join adjacent display screens without masking the projectedvideo image. The tabs also prevent the projected video images frompassing between the adjacent display screens such that at least theportion of the video image displayed along the edges of the displayscreens is clarified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a visual display system of thepresent invention which includes a front display screen, a pair ofopposed side display screens and an upper display screen.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the front screen, the first and secondside screens and the first and second rear side screens of the visualdisplay system of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the front screen, the upper screenand the rear screen of the visual display system of one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of several components of a visual displaysystem of the present invention include the image generation system andthe video projection means.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the visual display system supportstructure illustrating the predetermined positions in which the displayscreens, video projectors and fold mirrors are mounted.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rear display module and theassociated cabinets of the visual display system present invention withthe opaque covering partially removed for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rear display module illustrating thefirst and second rear side screens and the rear upper screen and theassociated fold mirrors in more detail.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the visual display system of the presentinvention illustrating the forward position of the rear display module.

FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of a pair of adjacent display screens andthe respective first and second tabs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodimentof the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, this embodiment is provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully conveythe scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbersrefer to like elements throughout.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a visual display system 10 according to thepresent invention is illustrated. As illustrated, the visual displaysystem can be a flight simulation system which is employed to trainmilitary, commercial or other personnel to fly aircraft and toappropriately respond to particular flight situations. However, thevisual display system can also be employed to simulate otherenvironments and to train other personnel for other operations withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a visual display system 10, such as a flightsimulation system, includes a plurality of display screens 12. Forexample, the visual display system can include an out-the-window flightsimulation system such as the Visual Integrated Display Systemmanufactured by McDonnell Douglas Corporation, the assignee of thepresent application. As illustrated, the flight simulation system caninclude a front screen 14 positioned in front of the operator and anupper screen 16 mounted adjacent to and above the front screen. Asillustrated, the upper screen slopes upwardly in a direction from thefront screen toward the operator. In addition, the flight simulationsystem generally includes first and second opposed side screens 18adjacent to both the front screen and the upper screen and extendinglaterally beside the operator.

Further, the flight simulation system can include first and secondopposed rear side screens 20 and a rear upper screen 22 as illustratedschematically in FIGS. 2 and 3 and in more detail in FIGS. 6-8. Inparticular, FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the plurality of displayscreens 12 with the upper screen 16 and the rear upper screen removed.In addition, FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the plurality of displayscreens with the side screens 18 and the rear side screens removed.

As shown, the first and second opposed rear side screens 20 extend froma first edge, adjacent the first or second side screen 18, to a commonpoint behind the operator. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the front screen14, first and second side screens and first and second rear side screensare pentagonal in shape. In addition, the rear upper screen 22 typicallyextends above the operator and is adjacent to the upper screen 16 andthe first and second rear side screens. Accordingly, the operator canbe, at least partially, enclosed by the plurality of display screens 12of the flight simulation system of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the visual display system 10 can also include acontrol station 24. The control station generally includes a platform onwhich the operator is positioned, typically in a seated position. Inresponse to the displayed video images, the operator generally actuatesone or more controls provided on a control panel. These controls mayinclude, for example, a joystick for positioning a simulated aircraftrelative to the displayed background image. The controls may alsoprovide information to the operator regarding the status of thesimulated aircraft and the navigational conditions. The control stationin combination with the front screen 14, upper screen 16 and first andsecond side screens 18 generally define a front display module 25.

The image displayed on the plurality of display screens 12 is generallygenerated by an image generation system 26. As known to those skilled inthe art, the image generation system generates video signalsrepresentative of the three-dimensional video images to be displayed onthe display screens. In particular, the image generation system isgenerally adapted to provide frames of video signals representative ofthe three-dimension video images at a predetermined frequency or framerate, such as 60 hertz. Conventional image generation systems are knownto those skilled in the art and are described in a book entitled"Fundamentals of Interactive Computer Graphics" by Foley et al. whichwas published by Addison-Wesley Publishing Company in 1982.

As illustrated in block diagram form in FIG. 4, the image generationsystem 26 drives the video projection means 28 of the visual displaysystem. The video projection means projects a three-dimension videoimage on the plurality of display screens 12 based upon the videosignals provided by the image generation system.

In addition, although not described in detail herein, the visual displaysystem 10 can include inset image generation means and inset imageprojection means as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/331,418, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,665, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein. The inset image generation means andthe inset image projection means provide a plurality of inset images ofrelatively high resolution within the background image provided by theimage generation system 26 and the video projection means 28.

The video projection means 28 preferably includes a plurality of videoimage projectors, at least one of which is associated with each displayscreen 12. Typically, the video projectors are either cathode ray tubesor light valve projectors. For full color background images, the videoprojectors are generally RGB projectors, such as BARCO 1208 projectorsor Ampro 3300 projectors, which project a video image having red, greenand blue color components. However, a monochrome video projector whichproduces a monochromatic video image can also be employed withoutdeparting from the spirit and sign of the present invention.

As also known to those skilled in the art, each video projector 28includes a predetermined number of video lines, each of which iscomprised of a predetermined number of picture elements or pixels. Inorder to display a relatively large video image for the operator, theindividual pixels are projected, and thereby expanded, to fill theassociated display screen 12. For example, each pair of video linestypically defines a projection angle of 12 to 18 arcminutes.Accordingly, the expanding video image projected by each video projectordefines a respective video image envelope 30 in which the video signalsexpand as shown schematically in FIG. 9.

The visual display system 10 also includes a video display controller 32or flight simulation controller for controlling the video imageprojected by the plurality of video projectors 28. In particular, theflight simulation controller controls the projected video images inresponse to the control signals provided by the operator. Accordingly,the operator can adjust the direction or orientation of the simulatedaircraft which, in turn, dictates the video images to be projected bythe plurality of video projectors and displayed upon the plurality ofassociated display screens 12.

As illustrated schematically in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plurality of displayscreens 12 of one embodiment of the visual display system 10 arecircumscribed by an imaginary sphere 34 illustrated in dotted lines andhaving a predetermined radius R. For example, in one embodiment, thepredetermined radius is about 28 inches. The imaginary sphere iscentered about the design eye 36 of the flight simulation system. Thedesign eye is generally positioned in a predetermined fixed relation tothe viewing position of the operator. In particular, the design eye isgenerally located to coincide with the head of the operator as shown inFIG. 1.

By positioning the plurality of the display screens 12 so as to becircumscribed by the imaginary sphere 34 centered about the design eye36 of the visual display system 10, the distortion of the displayedvideo image is reduced. Consequently, visual display system of thepresent invention need not provide distortion correction as provided inat least some conventional visual display systems. Thus, the imagegeneration and display process is simplified in comparison with theseconventional visual display systems.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the display screens 12 is preferablyflat so as to define a planer front and rear surface. As describedhereinbelow, the generally flat display screens aides in the modularityof the flight simulation system. As also illustrated, each displayscreen generally has a plurality of corners, each of which intersectsthe imaginary sphere 34 which circumscribes the display screens.

In one embodiment, the front screen is generally rectangular while thefirst and second opposed side screens 18 and the upper screen 16 aretrapezoidal in shape. Each side screen generally has a first edge 18aadjacent the front screen and a second edge 18b, opposite the firstedge. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the height of each side screenpreferably increases in an outward direction from the front screen.Thus, the second edge of each side screen is longer than the first edge.Consequently, the video signals generated by the image generation means26 which are to be displayed on the first and second side screenspreferably represent a video image which also has a trapezoidal shapecorresponding to the trapezoidal shape of the first and second sidescreens. More specifically, the video signals generated by the imagegeneration means, which represent video images to be displayed on thefirst and second side screens, are generally blanked in the upper andlower corners adjacent the first edge due to the trapezoidal shape ofthe side screen.

In addition, the front screen 14 preferably has a first predeterminedaspect ratio. As known to those skilled in the art, the aspect ratiodefines a ratio of the width of a displayed video image to the height ofthe displayed video image. Each side screen 18 also preferably has asecond predetermined aspect ratio. In one embodiment, the firstpredetermined aspect ratio of the front screen is greater than one.Thus, the width of the displayed video image is greater than the heightof the displayed video image. Typically, the first predetermined aspectratio is 4:3. In this embodiment, the second predetermined aspect ratioof each side screen is preferably less than 1. Thus, the width of thedisplayed video image on each side screen is less than the height of thedisplayed video image. For example, the second predetermined aspectratio can 3:4. Thus, the first predetermined aspect ratio can be theinverse of the second predetermined aspect ratio.

The aspect ratio is determined, at least in part, by the video projector28 which projects the video image to be displayed on the respectivedisplay screen 12. Therefore, in one embodiment, the video projectorwhich is associated with the front screen 14 has a predetermined aspectratio of 4:3 while the video projector which is associated with eachrespective side screen 18 has a predetermined aspect ratio of 3:4. Byrotating the same type of video projector by 90°, the same type of videoprojector which projects the video images on the front screen can beemployed to project the video images on the side screens since therotation of the video projector inverts the aspect ratio.

The visual display system 10 of the present invention also generallyincludes a visual display system support structure 38 as illustrated inFIG. 5. Each display screen 12 and each video projector 28 is preferablymounted on the visual display system support structure in apredetermined position. In particular, the predetermined mountingpositions of the plurality of video projectors which are associated withthe front screen 14 and the first and second side screens 18 arepreferably arranged in a linear side-by-side relationship on a rear sideof the plurality of display screens, opposite the front side which theoperator views. By positioning the plurality of video projectors in alinear side-by-side relationship, the overall size of the visual displaysystem can be reduced, thereby producing a compact visual displaysystem.

In particular, the plurality of video projectors 28, such as a pluralityAMPRO 3300 video projectors, can be mounted in cabinets 40 positioned onthe rear side of the plurality of display screens 12. In addition, theelectronics associated with each video projector, such as theelectronics which provide the drive signals to the respective cathoderay tubes (CRTs) of the plurality of video projectors, can also bemounted in the respective cabinet along with the video projector. Forexample, the associated electronics can be mounted in one or moredrawers that are adapted to be slidably opened so as to facilitaterepairs and maintenance of the visual display system. Further, thecabinets can include doors 41 positioned on the rear side of theplurality of display screens which open rearwardly such that atechnician can readily access the video projectors and the associatedelectronics.

In order to properly display the projected video images on theassociated display screens 12, the visual display system 10 of thisembodiment preferably includes image redirection means, responsive tothe plurality of video projectors, for redirecting the video imageprojected by at least two of the video projectors 28. Thus, thepredetermined images projected by the plurality of video projectors areprovided to the respective display screens in a direction perpendicularto the planer surface of each respective display screen.

In one embodiment, the image redirection means includes a plurality offold mirrors 42 for redirecting the video images projected by respectivevideo projectors 28 for display on the associated display screens 12.Typically, the image redirection means includes first and second foldmirrors for redirecting the video images to be displayed on the firstand second side screens 18, respectively.

In embodiments of the visual display system 10 which include an upperscreen 16, the video projector 28 which is adapted to projectpredetermined video images on the upper screen can be also positioned onthe rear side of the plurality of display screens 12. In particular, thevideo projector which projects video images on the upper screen ispreferably mounted above the video projector which is adapted to projecta predetermined video image on the front screen 14. In this embodiment,an additional fold mirror 42 can be employed to redirect the video imageprojected by the video projector associated with the upper screen sothat the video images are provided in a direction perpendicular to theplaner surface of the upper display screen.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, in embodiments which include first and secondrear side screens 20 and a rear upper screen 22, the rear videoprojectors 28 and the associated electronics which are associated witheach of these additional display screens can be mounted in respectivecabinets 60 on the rear side of these display screens. The cabinets inwhich these video projectors are disposed are typically located on theopposite side of the visual display system support structure 38 from thecabinets 40 housing the video projectors that are associated with thefront screen 14, the upper screen 16 and the first and second opposedside screens 18. In addition, a plurality of fold mirrors 42 can beemployed with the video projectors associated with the first and secondrear side screens and the rear upper screen in order to provide thepredetermined video images to the respective display screens in adirection perpendicular to the planar surface of each display screen.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, the cabinets 60 and the rear videoprojectors 28 and associated electronics disposed therein are generallylocated in a fixed position. In contrast, the rear display module 62which includes the first and second rear side screens 20 and the rearupper screen 22 can be mounted on a platform which is adapted to move ina forwardly and rearwardly direction. The rear display module ispreferably mounted upon a pair of rails 64, such as Thompson rails,which allow the rear display module to slide from a rear position to aforward position as shown in FIG. 8.

Typically, the operator enters the visual display system 10 when therear display module 62 is in the rear position. Thereafter, the reardisplay module can be moved to the forward position such that theoperator is enclosed within a cavity defined between the front and reardisplay modules. Following the simulation, the rear display module canagain be moved to the rear position such that the operator can exit thevisual display system. While a slidable rear display module isillustrated in FIGS. 6-8 and is described in detail herein, the reardisplay module can be fixed in position and other methods of enteringand exiting the visual display system can be employed without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As described above and shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the cabinets 60associated with the rear display module 62 are generally positioned in afixed location while the rear display module slides from the rearposition adjacent the cabinets to the forward position adjacent thefront display module 25. An opaque collapsible covering 66, typicallyformed of a blackout fabric such as vinyl backed with cloth, preferablyextends between the cabinets and the rear display module such that theimages projected by the plurality of associated video projectors 28 areclearly and distinctly displayed on the first and second rear sidescreens 20 and the rear upper screen 22. As shown, the opaque coveringadvantageously collapses, such as in an accordion fashion, as the reardisplay module is moved to the rear position and stretches or extends asthe rear display module is moved to the forward position.

As illustrated, the rear display module 62 preferably abuts the frontdisplay module 25 in an aligned relationship in the forward position. Inparticular, the front and rear display modules generally include aplurality of alignment pins and corresponding apertures mate to insurethat the modules are aligned. In addition, the front and rear displaymodules preferably abut snugly such that little, if any, light entersenclosed area in which the operator is seated.

As illustrated in more detail in FIG. 9, each display screen 12generally includes a planar display surface 44 on which the projectedimages are displayed. Typically, the dimensions of the display surfaceare defined by the dimensions of the front surface 50 of the respectivedisplay screen and, in most embodiments, the display surface is thefront surface of the respective display screen. As shown, adjacentdisplay screens are generally mounted in an abutting relationship alongrespective edges. Thus, the respective display surfaces of the abuttingdisplay screens preferably intersect at a predetermined angle 46.Accordingly, the front side of the abutting display screens generallydefine a concave shape.

Consequently, the rear surface 48 of each display screen 12 ispreferably wider than the corresponding front surface 50, and thecorresponding display surface, so as to define a rear edge portion 52which extends along each edge of the display screens and which extendsoutwardly beyond the corresponding front surface as shown in FIG. 9.First and second tabs 54 can be bonded to the respective rear edgeportions of adjacent display screens. Each tab extends rearwardly fromthe rear side of the respective display screen such that the videoimages which are projected by the video projectors 28 on the displaysurface of the display screens are not masked by the rearwardlyextending tabs. In particular, the first and second rearwardly extendingtabs are preferably outside of the video image envelope 30 defined bythe expanding video images projected by each video projector such thatthe video images are not masked.

In one embodiment, the first and second tabs 54 preferably extendrearwardly from the rear side to the respective display screens 12 tothereby define an edge plane 58 in which the tabs extend. The edge planedefined by the pair of tabs advantageously bisects the predeterminedangle 46 defined by the intersection of the first and second displayscreens. Thus, the first and second tabs are outside of the video imageenvelope 30 defined by the expanding video images.

At least one of each pair of tabs 54 is preferably opaque, typicallycomprised of an opaque acrylic material. However, the tabs can becomprised of other materials without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention. Thus, the projected video images will not passbetween the adjacent display screens 12. In particular, the video imagethat is projected on a first display screen will not pass through theabutting edge portions of the display screens so as to be displayed orso as to interfere with the display on a second adjacent display screen.Accordingly, at least the portion of the video image displayed along theedges of the abutting display screens is clarified.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the first and second tabs 54 are attached,such as by attachment means so that the first and second abuttingdisplay screens are securely joined. As shown, the attachment means caninclude a threaded connector 56. However, other types of connectors canbe employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Each tab 54 generally includes an elongated strip which extends alongthe edge of a respective display screen 12. In addition, each tab isgenerally bonded to the rear edge portion 52 of a respective displayscreen with an optically transmissive adhesive, such as a clear acryliccement.

The visual display system 10 of the present invention is generallymodular. In particular, the visual display system includes a pluralityof generally flat display screens 12 which are attached along abuttingedges, such as with threaded connectors 56, such that the plurality ofdisplay screens can be readily assembled and disassembled. In addition,the plurality of video projectors 28 are linked to a common imagegeneration system 26 and are mounted, along with their associatedelectronics, in an aligned row of cabinets 40 to further facilitate theassembly and disassembly of the visual display system. Accordingly, thevisual display system of the present invention can be readilydisassembled, transported to a new location, such as near a trainingcenter in the field, and reassembled.

In addition, the image generation system 26, the plurality of videoprojectors 28 and their associated electronics and the control system,including the visual display controller 32, have been designed tofunction on standard power levels, such as 110 VAC. In addition, theoverall size and complexity of the visual display system is reduced byemploying a plurality of generally flat display screens 12 and aplurality of associated video projectors 28, each of which are housed ina respective cabinet 40 along with its associated electronics. Thus, thevisual display system 10 of the present invention is designed to beassembled within a room of standard dimensions which has, for example,an 8 foot ceiling.

Therefore, according to the visual display system of the presentinvention, the plurality of display screens 12 can be positioned so asto be circumscribed by an imaginary sphere 34, thereby reducing thedistortion of the displayed video image. In addition, the plurality ofvideo projectors 28 which provide the video images for display on thedisplay surfaces of the display screens can be arranged in apredetermined relationship on the rear side of the display screens, suchas in a linear side-by-side relationship, so as to reduce the overallsize of the visual display system 10 and to increase the modularity ofthe visual display system. In addition, tabs 54 can extend rearwardlyfrom the edges of adjacent display screens so as to securely joinadjacent display screens without masking the projected video image. Thetabs also clarify the displayed video image, at least along the edges ofthe adjacent display screens, by preventing the projected video imagesfrom passing between the adjacent displays.

In the drawings and the specification, there has been set forth apreferred embodiment of the invention and, although specific terms areemployed, the terms are used in a generic and descriptive sense only andnot for purpose of limitation, the scope of the invention being setforth in the following claims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A visual display system comprising:a visualdisplay system support structure; a plurality of display screens fordisplaying a predetermined video image on a front side thereof, saidplurality of display screens comprising a front screen and first andsecond opposed side screens which are each mounted to said visualdisplay system support structure in a predetermined position, whereineach of said display screens include a respective planar displaysurface, and wherein the display surface of said front screen intersectsthe respective display surfaces of said opposed side screens at apredetermined angle; a plurality of video projectors for projecting apredetermined video image on said plurality of display screens fordisplay thereon, each video projector projecting the predetermined videoimage on a different one of said plurality of display screens, whereineach of said plurality of video projectors is mounted to said visualdisplay system support structure in a predetermined position, andwherein the predetermined mounting positions of said plurality of videoprojectors are arranged in a linear side-by-side relationship on a rearside of said plurality of display screens, opposite the front side, suchthat the overall size of the visual display system is thereby reduced;and image redirection means, responsive to said plurality of videoprojectors, for redirecting the video image projected by at least two ofsaid video projectors such that the predetermined video images projectedby said plurality of video projectors are provided to the respectivedisplay screens in a direction perpendicular to the display surface ofeach respective display screen.
 2. A visual display system according toclaim 1 wherein each of said first and second opposed side screens has atrapezoidal shape such that each side screen has a first edge adjacentsaid front screen and a second edge, opposite the first edge, andwherein the height of each side screen increases in an outward directionfrom the front screen such that the second edge of each side screen islonger than the first edge.
 3. A visual display system according toclaim 2 further comprising image generation means for generating videosignals representative of the predetermined video images wherein thevideo signals generated by said image generation means which arerepresentative of video images to be displayed on said first and secondside screens represent a video image having a trapezoidal shapecorresponding to the trapezoidal shape of said first and second sidescreens.
 4. A visual display system according to claim 2 wherein saidfront screen has a first predetermined aspect ratio defining a ratio ofthe width of the video image displayed on said front screen to theheight of the video image displayed on the front screen, and whereineach side screen has a second predetermined aspect ratio defining aratio of the width of the video image displayed on the respective sidescreen to the height of the video image displayed on the respective sidescreen.
 5. A visual display system according to claim 4 wherein thefirst predetermined aspect ratio of said front screen is greater thanone such that the width of the displayed video image is greater than theheight of the displayed video image, and wherein the secondpredetermined aspect ratio of each side screen is less than one suchthat the width of the displayed video image is less than the height ofthe displayed video image.
 6. A visual display system according to claim4 wherein the first predetermined aspect ratio is the inverse of thesecond predetermined aspect ratio.
 7. A visual display system accordingto claim 1 wherein said image redirection means comprises first andsecond fold mirrors for redirecting the video images projected by saidvideo projectors for display on said first and second side screens,respectively.
 8. A visual display system according to claim 1 whereinsaid plurality of display screens further comprises an upper screen, andwherein the video projector which is adapted to project thepredetermined video image on said upper screen is positioned on the rearside of the said plurality of display screens and above the videoprojector which is adapted to project the predetermined video image onsaid front screen.
 9. A visual display system according to claim 1wherein said plurality of display screens further comprises first andsecond rear side screens and a rear upper screen, wherein said first andsecond rear side screens and said rear upper screen comprise a reardisplay module, and wherein said plurality of video projectors includesa plurality of rear video projectors for projecting the predeterminedvideo-image on said first and second rear side screens and said rearupper screen.
 10. A visual display system according to claim 9 whereinsaid plurality of rear video projectors are fixed in position andwherein said rear display module is movable from a rear positionadjacent said plurality of rear video projectors to a forward positionadjacent said first and second side screens.
 11. A visual display systemaccording to claim 10 further comprising an opaque covering extendingbetween said plurality of rear video projectors and said rear displaymodule.